Highland games season comes to a soggy climax at Pitlochry

The summer games season in Perth and Kinross came to a soggy end on Saturday.

The Pitlochry Highland Games was staged amid torrential downpours and strong winds.

Despite the horrendous conditions, competitors battled through traditional field events including tossing the caber and the tug o’ war.

A town centre procession led by Badenoch and Strathspey Pipe Band also went ahead and attracted lines of spectators to the roadside.

But some events, including the Highland dancing competition, were moved indoors.

Visitor numbers were also noticeably down this year.

Volunteers said high winds at the site were more problematic for organisers than the constant rainfall, with some tents and stalls threatening to blow over.

Local MSP John Swinney, who attended the event, tweeted afterwards: “Thanks to the intrepid souls who braved the rain at Pitlochry Highland Games today.”

The games date back to 1852 and traditionally bring huge crowds of visitors to the town’s recreation grounds for displays of piping, cycling, running and heavy events.

The event also brings the curtain down on Highland games season in Perthshire.